EDITOR’S NOTE: This photo essay by Photography Editor Roman Davison first appeared in the Nov. 20, 2025 print edition of Viewpoints. We are now publishing this creative piece online for our readers. Notably, the New York Times released a photo essay on Dec. 6 featuring the same wild donkeys in Moreno Valley. While likely coincidental, the overlap highlights the growing interest in this unique local story.
To me, Donkeys are an iconic symbol of the Inland Empire, specifically in Moreno Valley. They are valued amongst the community of the IE.
They have ambiguous origins, spanning from the California Gold Rush to the migration from Death Valley to their present existence in the IE, which matters most.
Moreno Valley has laws in place to protect donkeys, such as criminalizing harm to them. These laws put in place show an effort of love and respect that the city itself holds towards the burros.
While going through challenges such as miscellaneous arrows shot at them and the relocation to Texas through Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, the unofficial mascots seem to command love from community members…